White-water canoeists on a wing and an oar in rapids
by Paul Matson, sports editor

    The slow, smooth, tranquil ride seems to be getting faster, maybe a little rougher.

    First, you hear a slight roar in the distance; your heart beats a little faster as the roar becomes louder, more intense.

    A cold splash of water slaps your face, clouding your vision for just a moment.

    All of a sudden your canoe begins to rock, violently, back and forth, side to side.

    You are in the middle of white-water rapids, dodging boulders and tree stumps, trying to find the best way through the many obstacles mother nature has thrown in your path on this fast-moving river ride, but you are prepared.

    This is white-water canoeing at its best, and one of several, outdoor physical education programs offered by TCC.

    “I just love this class; that’s why I keep coming back,” fifth semester canoeing student, Steve Goff, secretary for the North Texas River Runners, said.

    The sessions begin in a classroom setting, moving to flat water (the gymnasium swimming pool) and then progressing to a nearby lake.

    After learning the fundamentals of boat control in the pool, the class moves on, showing what they have learned at one of several fast-moving rivers within a few hours’ drive of the metroplex.

    The destination may not be decided until the day of the trip, depending on the amount of rainfall at the location.

    In the fall, the Corps of Engineers opens the floodgates of the Saline River in southwest Arkansas, bringing the water level higher.
This exercise is done exclusively for the TCC white water canoeing course.

    Knowing the head of the Corps does not hurt.

    “Everything we do is based on safety,” Charles Smith, canoeing instructor on the NE Campus, said.

     A swim test is required before being accepted for this class.

    “We have the finest safety equipment available. This includes helmets, rescue equipment and throw ropes, but we also stress fun.

     “We use a student-to-instructor ratio of three to one on the river,” Smith, the only American Canoeing Association certified instructor at a college or university in a three-state area, said.

    Scott Suhr, second semester canoeing student, said, “I wanted more than just academic classes. I wanted a physical challenge, and, physically, almost anyone could take this course.”

    He added, “Most people become rabid about this sport. I’d recommend this class to everyone. It’s just great fun and you even get (college) credit for it,”

    Suhr is also enrolled at the University of North Texas.

     “I keep coming back for the canoeing class,” he said.

    Smith, who is also the vice-commodore for the North Texas River Runners, praised the students for their passion.

    Jessica Grisel, a third-semester student, said, “This is the coolest class in the whole world. Charles is probably one of the best paddlers in the world.”

    After having met a challenge they have never faced before, most students learn they are capable of accomplishing anything they put their minds to.

     “I feel much more comfortable with myself after taking this class,” Mia Kurbalija, a third-year exchange student from Yugoslavia and second-semester canoeing enthusiast, said.

    “The work ethics, camaraderie and team work are all important factors in this class,” she said.